Get ready for the most important food drive of the year

The Community Connections’ Food Bank is primed for what is its largest and arguably most important food drive of year — the Fourth Annual Emergency Services Fight Back Against Hunger Food Drive.

This massive effort, which is being held September 17 – 18, takes police officers, firefighters, paramedics, Parks Canada staff and others door-to-door throughout the city from 6 pm until 8 pm each evening.

“This food drive in September is so helpful because a lot of people stop donating in the summer,” Food Bank Coordinator Patti Larson said in an interview.

According to organizer Krista Carnegie the campaign seeks to raise local awareness that hunger exists in our community

“Every week approximately 110 households, including up to 55 children need to take advantage of the Community Connections Food Bank here in Revelstoke.” She said in an interview this summer. “Keep in mind that not only are these numbers astounding, they are also outdated by a year, and the food bank saw growth in all areas over the course of this past year!

“We are bringing together Emergency Services teams with community groups to build connections and community bonds. Most importantly, though, we are doing this to fill the cupboards of our food bank. With projects waning, donor fatigue and fewer government contributions, the Community Connections Food Bank needs our help.”

Carnegie said that last year more than 200 volunteers collected over 11,795 lbs of food and thousands of dollars in cash donations. “Imagine how long this supplements our community’s cupboards,” she said.

You can help by leaving a box or bag containing non-perishable food items and/or personal grooming items on your doorstep. The foods you leave can include soups, spaghetti sauce, noodles, rice, canned meats, canned fish, canned fruits, powdered milk and powdered eggs. The personal grooming aids can include such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, hair brushes, soap and other goods.